Helpline (1PM-9PM): 0217126699
Tessellated triangles in inclusive LGBTQIA+ flag colours
Helpline (1PM-9PM): 0217126699
Triangle Project logo -pink downward pointed triangle with gold ribbon in the shape of Table Mountain in Cape Town on the horizon.

Staff

Elsbeth Engelbrecht

she/her

Director

A dedicated advocate for over 30 years, has made significant contributions to South African NGOs and gender justice movements. With a focus on the land and agrarian-reform justice sector for 17 years, she previously championed equal education and resources for rural black youths. Joining Triangle Project in 2007, Elsbeth managed their Community Engagement and Empowerment Programme, later serving as the Key Populations Programme Manager for ICAP. In 2016, she returned to Triangle Project as Research and Advocacy Manager and now leads as Triangle’s director.

Sharon Cox

she/her

Health and Support Services Manager

Sharon is the Health and Support Services Manager at Triangle Project who has worked in the human rights sector for the past 25 years. As part of her work, Sharon provides training to the criminal justice cluster including the South African Police Service, The Department of Justice and the Department of Social Development. She has also, at the request of partners, facilitated training in the region and internationally in Kyrgyzstan and Sri Lanka. 

Sharon prepares victims of hate crimes for court and monitors hate crimes and sits on the National Rapid Response Team on Hate Crimes. She was an applicant in the case for marriage equality in South Africa, which was realised in 2006. She holds a bachelor’s degree with majors in psychology and criminology and a post graduate degree in Criminology with a focus on victimology and forensics. Sharon also studied theology through the Pacific School of Religion in Berkley California and is an ordained minister. She ventured down these streets, as organised religion is often the driver of prejudice, bias and hate that targets LGBTIQ+ people and other minorities.

Heather Adonis

she/her

Health & Support Services Coordinator

Heather has devoted an impressive 28 years to Triangle Project. Starting as an administrator and coordinator, Heather has been a steadfast advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community. Joining Triangle Project in 1995, she has played a crucial role in the organisation's evolution. Heather is more than just a dedicated team member; she is a living archive for Triangle Project, embodying its history and mission. As the soothing voice on the end of our LGBTQIA+ helpline, she emphasises the significance of this lifeline for those seeking support. Her commitment to Triangle Project and the LGBTQIA+ community reflects not only in her tenure but in her unwavering dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive space for all.

Carol Lennon

she/her

Nurse & Outreach Worker

Carol, our nurse at Triangle Project, brings decades of healthcare experience to our team. With a background as a paramedic, grassroots activist, and outreach worker, she is a valued and trusted presence at the clinic. Known for championing direct services, Carol is a proactive advocate for nutritious sustenance, sustainable living, and collective care for all our queer siblings. Her dedication to the well-being of the community is a cornerstone of Triangle Project's commitment to holistic support.

Viwe Tafeni

they/them

Social Worker

Social Worker at Triangle Project aka The Face. Their work at Triangle Project involves counselling people through various life challenges including GBV, IPV, and acceptance. They also facilitate educational workshops about SOGIESC and discrimination, as well as mental health. They have been involved in LGBTQIA+ activism for over ten years. Viwe is passionate about Queer Liberation, creating new and decolonised masculinities, Sex Positivity, and Multiple-partner Relationships, including Ethical Non-monogamy, Polyamory and psychological safety in relationships.

Zola Dalani

she/her

Clinic Assistant & Outreach worker

With over a decade of grassroots activism, Zola is a passionate advocate for change and a respected traditional healer. As a clinic assistant and outreach worker, she seamlessly blends cultural wisdom with modern healthcare. Zola's commitment is not just a job – it's a calling. Through her love for the community, she serves as a beacon of hope, making a lasting impact in every role she undertakes.

Ayamangalisa “Aya” Anele Badli

she/her

Clinic Assistant and Outreach worker

Aya stands at the forefront, with over a decade of dedicated grassroots activism, passionately bridging the gaps between traditional and Western healing. As a traditional healer, clinic assistant, and outreach worker, she navigates these diverse roles seamlessly, showcasing not only her commitment but also her unique ability to integrate different healing modalities. Aya's love for her work and clients is a driving force, creating a harmonious blend of traditional wisdom and contemporary care in her every endeavour.

Bianca van Rooi

she/they

Wellness and Digital Activism Coordinator

Bianca is the Wellness and Digital Activism Coordinator, which sits in the Community Engagement and Empowerment Programme. Working at the intersection of narrative justice, feminist liberation, digital activism, and grassroots movement building they lead two strategic initiatives: Thought Leaders in ICT , a digital storytelling platform centring LGBTQI+ youth voices, and Ma Thoko’s Healing Circle, a wellness justice programme rooted in indigenous knowledge and collective care.

Grounded in Black feminist and decolonial thought, Bianca’s work brings together art, political education, and somatic practice to support healing, solidarity, and transformative justice for grassroots movement building. They are also a member of the Queer Food Growing Collective and Sisterhood and Survival, a Black feminist reading group. Bianca also contributes to the Rainbow Archives Narrative (R.A.N.) project, preserving and reimagining the radical legacy of Black lesbians in South Africa’s liberation history.

Juliana Davids

she/her

Community engagement and empowerment manager

Juliana is an experienced researcher and social justice activist and earned an Honours Degree in Women's and Gender Studies from the University of the Western Cape. With over 20 years’ experience in community development, capacity building and policy work, she uses an intersectional feminist approach to advance social justice and building an inclusive society where everyone can access education and reach their potential. She has been instrumental in organising the “Feminist Research Alive in Academia” conference at the University of the Western Cape in 2019. Most recently, she has pioneered the "Creating Inclusive and Affirming Schools" (CIAS) Project, under the Community Engagement and Empowerment Programme (CEEP).

Estian Smit

(they/he)

Research, advocacy and policy manager

Joining the dots. Weaving a web of connections. Pushing forward together.

Estian Smit is the Research, Advocacy and Policy Manager at Triangle Project. As a trans activist, they have been involved for two and a half decades in advocacy on SOGIESC and intersecting human rights. They hold a Master’s degree in Philosophy from Stellenbosch University, and have a strong background in research, legal and policy advocacy, and community capacity strengthening, particularly on issues of legal gender recognition and gender-affirming healthcare. Their current role in the organisation centres on strategic leadership and coordination of the Research, Advocacy and Policy (RAP) team, cross-programmatic coordination, programme management, budget management, proposal writing and donor reporting.

Katlego Sepotokele

she/her

Legal and policy advocacy coordinator

Katlego Sepotokele has a background as a Senior Project Leader for Gender Justice and Reconciliation, and has extensive experience in sexual and reproductive health rights, notably in abortion rights in Africa. Formerly an Investigations and Advocacy Officer at the University of Witwatersrand, she holds an LLB from Wits University and served as a Law Researcher to Justice Nonkosi Mhlantla at the Constitutional Court of South Africa (July 2016 - June 2017). She currently steers our legal and policy programme.

Bayanda Ndumiso

he/they

Political Advocacy coordinator

Bayanda, Triangle Project's Political Advocacy Coordinator, is a fervent advocate addressing socio-economic and educational inequalities in South Africa and beyond. With a rich history of activism, he has influenced policy changes, particularly in public education and health. As the Senior Atlantic Fellow for Health Equity in South Africa, Bayanda works towards advancing health equity.

In his role, Bayanda oversees the Political Advocacy Programme, enhancing the civil, political, and electoral participation of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Previously, as a Materials Developer for Equal Education, he played a key role in training activists nationwide.

Bayanda also serves on the Global advisory board for the Atlantic Institute and is the interim President for Impulse Cape Town.

Ling Sheperd

she/her

Communications Officer

Advocacy is water. Are you drinking eight glasses a day?
Ling has a background in marketing, social media management and political studies. She believes the written word is the preface to any visual.  Having worked as a journalist she focused on LGBTQIA+ narratives that challenged the stereotypical lens of mainstream media. She describes herself as an economic justice “lettie” and there is no way to live but in an intersectional way.  

Shanice Hector

she/her

Operations & Finance Accountant

Shanice is our Operations & Finance Accountant , and “Ministress” of Finance at Triangle Project. With a talent for numbers and a passion for financial precision, she ensures the financial health of our organisation. Bringing valuable experience, she expertly navigates the complexities of finance, keeping our operations running smoothly. Beyond the balance sheets,she is dedicated to fostering a positive and inclusive workplace.

Rene Rhoode

she/her

Operations & Finance Assistant

Rene is our diligent Operations and Finance Assistant. With a knack for numbers and a commitment to keeping things shipshape, she ensures that the gears and spreadsheets at Triangle Project turn seamlessly.

Zuko Manundu

he/him

Office Assistant & Housekeeper

Zuko has faced and navigated the challenges of growing up in rural South Africa. Confronting domestic violence, bullying, and houselessness, that has informed his activism.  Through his contact with support organisations he is now the office assistant and housekeeper at Triangle. He is a burgeoning citizen journalist and digital disruptor.

+27214220255

info@triangle.org.za

health2@triangle.org.za 

2 - 4 Seymour Street
Observatory
Cape Town
7925

Donate

NPO reg no: 003-971

+27214220255

info@triangle.org.za

health2@triangle.org.za 

2 - 4 Seymour Street
Observatory
Cape Town
7925

Donate

NPO reg no: 003-971